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In-depth analysis and commentary on today's biggest news stories as only the BBC can deliver. BBC "Newshour" covers everything from the growth of democracy to the threat of terrorism with a fresh, clear perspective from across the globe.

“The way she characterized it and the visuals that she put in it, it’s an attack on people of color, it’s an attack on people who were not born in this country,” Kaye said. “It’s just a vile disgusting commercial.”

“That’s not true at all,” he said Friday. “We’re talking about protecting violent criminals in sanctuary cities, which is what Phil Murphy’s sanctuary state policy would do for New Jersey. And we stand by the ad because, as former sheriff, Kim Guadagno is never going to play politics with public safety.”

Diaz said the campaign won’t pull the ad, which is garnering attention beyond New Jersey.

It was blasted by former Democratic Vice President Joe Biden as “the return of Willie Horton,” referring to a 1988 anti-Michael Dukakis ad that was condemned as racist.

On Friday, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie defended his lieutenant governor’s ad, and said Murphy’s comments are “fair game.” He also dismissed Biden’s comments, saying that Biden is just trying to stay relevant because he wants to run for president and has to say outrageous things.